Opener Shan Masood's splendid 156 helps Pakistan score in excess of 300 in the 1st Test

Shan Masood gave a new lease of life to Pakistani innings as he held one end tightly when his team lost wickets at regular intervals as he ended up scoring 150 in first Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester. opening batsman has stood in middle like a wall for almost two days in overcast conditions where he tackled terrific trio of James Anderson, Stuart Broad, and, Jofra Archer. He also used his feet well against spinners and was rewarded for it handsomely. 

Shan Masood takes Pakistan to a formidable total

However, situation was t at all easy for opening batsman by any means as he along with batting sensation Babar Azam had to rebuild innings after visitors were reduced to 43/2. duo added 96 runs for third wicket as Pakistan finished Day 1 at 139/2. 

Unfortunately, Day 2 did t start on a good te for visitors as an in-form Babar Azam was dismissed on very first over without troubling scorers and that was a much-needed breakthrough for England. Masood n took matters into his own hands and single-handedly toyed around with English bowlers. To make things more complicated, he did t get any support from middle-order as Asad Shafiq and wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan were dismissed in quick succession as Pakistan went into lunch break at 176/5.

Masood received support from all-rounder Shadab Khan lower down order as duo added 105 runs for sixth wicket before Khan was sent back. Jofra Archer n accounted for Yasir Shah and Mohammad Abbas off successive deliveries. Meanwhile, southpaw soldiered on for visitors and registered his 150 as Pak went into tea break at 312/8.

neless, Shan Masood was dismissed immediately after tea as he was plumb in front of wicket by Stuart Broad. matter was referred upstairs and decision was made against batsman. Masood walked back for 156 and helped his team in posting a first-innings total in excess of 300.

READ: Aakash Chopra Hails Shan Masood For His Organised Batting In 1st Test Against England

(Im Courtesy: AP)